Coming Together

Shepherd University Scene Stealers produce ‘Godspell’

April 17, 2014

SHEPHERDSTOWN - Looking for something profound and uplifting to kick off the Easter weekend?

The Scene Stealers, a Shepherd University student-run musical theater group, is producing a fresh and modern take on a 1970s cult classic - "Godspell."

With music written by Stephen Schwartz and content written by John-Michael Tebelak, the story centers around biblical parables as told in the book of Matthew.

Article Photos

Photo by Becky Washel Photography

Ryan Perry portrays Jesus and Candace Kenney plays Candace in the Shepherd University Scene Stealers’ presentation of “Godspell.” The show wil be performed tonight and Friday at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 3 p.m.

"It's very much by the book of Matthew," said Candace Kenney, junior at Shepherd University. "A lot of it's straight from Matthew."

Kenney said the show is "religion in its most basic and organic form, because it centers around love."

Bryan Perry, who plays the role of Jesus, said "Godspell" is one of his all-time favorite musicals.

Fact Box

What: "Godspell"

When: 8 p.m. today and Friday, 3 p.m. Saturday

Where: Shepherdstown Train Station,

100 Audrey Egle Drive

Cost: Adult $15, Student $10,

Shepherd University Student with ID $7

For more information, visit scenestealers.weebly.com

"I like how it presents the material," he said. "Act I starts with parables and Act II ends with the Passion."

Director Matt Rothenberg, vice president of the Scene Stealers, said he worked to make the show, which was writted in the 1970s, more modern.

"I think this way people will have a better sense of understanding," he said. "It's set in a park and everyone wears their normal clothes. We're using music from the 2012 revival so the music is more modern as well. We will have a piano, drums, three guitars and a bass. It's very rock style instrumentally."

Paul Cabell, a Shepherd senior who is president of the Scene Stealers, said "Godspell" is not necessarily about Christianity.

"It's about community and it teaches us just to be a good person," he said.

Rothenberg concurred, saying the idea of building a community is an important aspect of show that he is stressing.

"It's basically 10 random people using what Jesus taught them to make a better world," he said. "There is so much hate in the world that people forget that everyone has their own unique personality. The audience can come and be reminded of how together we can make a community. We want them to leave thinking, 'Wow, I can make this world a better place.'"

Cabell said he believes today's entertainment industry of movies and games often tell people what and how to think. He said he enjoys plays such as "Godspell" that are thought-provoking and allows people to have a dialogue and think for themselves.

"I hope there is a shift to more intelligent thinking," he said.

"Godspell" is being presented by the Scene Stealers at the Shepherdstown Train Station, 100 Audrey Egle Drive, tonight and Friday at 8 p.m., and Saturday at 3 p.m. The show is approximately two hours in length, including intermission.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students, with Shepherd students admitted for $7 with student ID. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online at scenestealers.weebly.com.